All three were charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, a felony; two counts of petit larceny and three counts of fifth-degree conspiracy, both misdemeanors; and three counts of trespassing, a violation, police said.

The three were targeting the radiators in older vehicles, which have copper cores, authorities said. The metal currently fetches more than $3.50 a pound.

The Rivers brothers were arraigned by Town Justice Raymond Elliott and sent to Rensselaer County Jail on $2,500 bail. Hammell was arraigned by Town Justice Josh Sabo and sent to jail on $3,500 bail.

Police say such thefts have become more common in the area recently.

''In the past two months we have seen an increase of stolen vehicles, larcenies from parked vehicles and scrap metal and parts being stolen,'' said Chief Rocco Fragomeni in a prepared statement.

Fragomeni said residents should lock their vehicles at night, keep valuables out of sight and report any suspicious activity to the police.